CHICAGO – July 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a package of new laws to fight crime and protect residents across Illinois. The new laws will increase public safety by stopping anyone convicted of a sex crime from working in healthcare in Illinois, protecting law enforcement officers and those who tip off police to violent crimes, preventing anyone convicted of domestic battery from owning a gun, and ensuring that anyone convicted of first degree murder registers with the state upon their release from prison.

“We must stand up strong against the violence and crime that destroys communities,” Governor Quinn said. “Whether they are at the doctor’s office or in the streets of their own neighborhood, families and citizens should feel safe and protected. These new laws will help make Illinois safer and more peaceful place to live.”

Among the 11 bills signed into law to increase public safety was House Bill 1271, which prevents anyone who is required to register as a sex offender or has been convicted of a criminal offense from receiving a health care worker license in Illinois. The new law also revokes licenses from any healthcare worker convicted of a sexual criminal act, criminal battery against a patient or any other forcible felony. Sponsored by Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago) and Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), the new law takes effect in 30 days.

Governor Quinn also announced new laws to fight gang violence and protect first responders in the line of duty. Sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Rep. Constance Howard (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 1739 aims to help break the code of silence by making it an offense to intimidate a citizen who reports information about a forcible felony to a law enforcement agency. Too often, individuals do not come forward with information about crime because of fear of gang intimidation and retaliation. This new law, effective Jan. 1, will help protect citizens who come forward and encourage them to share information and cooperate with law enforcement.

Sponsored by Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago), House Bill 3390 makes the aggravated assault of a peace officer with a gun a non-probationable offense. Currently, offenders may be sentenced to only probation, periodic imprisonment or even conditional discharge. The law takes effect immediately.

House Bill 3365 stops anyone convicted of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery from obtaining a FOID (Firearm Owner's Identification) card. Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park) and Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), the new law ensures that domestic offenders in Illinois will not be able to own a gun. It takes effect Jan. 1.

Governor Quinn today also announced the signing of House Bill 263, also known as Andrea’s Law. Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) and Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream), this law requires individuals convicted of first degree murders to register in a state database for 10 years upon their release from prison. The law takes effect Jan. 1 and will help protect families from potentially dangerous offenders.

Additional bills signed to increase public safety in Illinois include:

House Bill 167 – Sponsored by Rep. Dave Winters (R-Shirland) and Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), this law makes it a criminal offense to point a laser at the cockpit of an aircraft.

House Bill 295 – Sponsored by Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) and Sen. Edward D. Maloney (D-Chicago), this new law requires sex offenders to also register with the public safety director of the college where they attend or are employed.

House Bill 3283 – Sponsored by Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) and Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), the new law toughens penalties for child pornography by ensuring that a child pornography offense involving moving images is one felony one class higher than one involving still images.

Senate Bill 1038 – Sponsored by Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), this law requires a person convicted of criminal child luring to undergo a sex offender evaluation and increases the severity of the penalty if the person has a prior sex conviction.

Senate Bill 1708 – Sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston), this law requires any individual convicted of a hate crime to enroll in an educational program discouraging hate crimes.

Senate Bill 2151 – Sponsored by Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream) and Rep. Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica), this new law requires the Juvenile Justice Commission to study and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly to ensure the effective treatment and supervision of juvenile offenders who are found guilty of a sex offense.